“He’s right on the money throwing the ball, and the receivers are making big plays.

“I think we’re a much-improved team from a year ago. We just got to get the guys healthy and keep ’em on the field.”

UTSA’s defense will be under the gun early in the season.

After the season opener on Aug. 31 at New Mexico, the 14th-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys will roll into the Alamodome on Sept. 7 for the home opener.

Right now, Richard Burge and Ashaad Mabry have emerged as the front-line tackles, with Cody Rogers and Jarron Harris listed No. 1 at the ends.

The No. 2 defensive line consists of tackles Brian Price, a sophomore transfer, and junior Ferrington Macon. Juniors Jason Neill and Robert Singletary are on the ends. Singletary is a transfer from Baylor.

The camp schedule doesn’t get any easier.

After the first day of full pads on Friday, two practices are scheduled Saturday, the first of five days in a span of 10 that will consist of two workouts.

Camp runs through Aug. 24. On Aug. 25, UTSA will begin its game-week preparation for New Mexico.